Buying a 2nd hand focus - what are the pro's and con's?

blueoval · 05-07-2010, 03:39 PM

The mrs needs another car. Her 88 laser is on its last legs.

Been looking at the LR focus, but not sure what to look for.

Can people please give me a heads up if they are worth looking at?

Pro's & Con's of this model? other alternatives?

Budget is maxed out at $12500. Needs to be auto, and preferably hatchback. Color silver or gray, max km to be no more than 120,000km.

BlackLS · 05-07-2010, 06:02 PM

If you can get the more powerful Zetec 2.0L, over a CL or LX 2.0L.

Look out for non-working dashes, and auto shifts flaring.

Also make sure its not laggy to select gear when going from reverse to drive.

blueoval · 05-07-2010, 07:05 PM

thanks mate. what kind of extra $ will I be paying to get a zetec?

melbzetec · 05-07-2010, 07:52 PM

You'll pay very little extra for a Zetec now.
Here's one in SA with factory body kit and alloys for $11,000 and only 84,000km. But manual)
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...zetec&trecs=18

Here's an auto. $9500
http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...zetec&trecs=18

Check to see if cat converter has been replaced.

These are a great car (I'm biased). Built in Germany, great handling, and frankly, better build quality than many of the later models

blueoval · 05-07-2010, 08:22 PM

thanks for your help melbzetec. i forgot to mention, i need a 4 door. sorry.

Mick K. · 06-07-2010, 07:51 PM

The auto CL or LX LR is a 2.0, the man CL and LX were 1.8s. Most of the reviews of the day said that the better combination was the 2.0 auto. The Zetec had a slightly more powerful 2.0 in both manual and auto.

Check for the usual CV joints, etc but also for evidence of the mileage as the instrument cluster was unreliable and sometimes replaced with a 0 km one.

The price in Victoria seems $1000s cheaper than in SA,

For your budget you should be able to pick up either a top quality LR with some change or a good quality LS that looks more like the current shape cars. Fiesta, slightly lighter , and maybe not as solid feeling as the Focus is also worth considering.

Here's a couple in South Australia:
2003 Focus LX Sedan (Dealer) $10987 http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8599226
2006 Focus CL Hatch (Private) $11500 http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8892064
2006 Fiesta Zetec Hatch (Dealer) $11990 http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8567743

Here's some in Vic:

2004 Focus SR Hatch (Private) $8900 http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8876799
2004 Fiesta Ghia $10700 (Private) http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8943904
2005 Focus LX sedan (Private) http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/...aspx?R=8902107

Happy shopping.

MK

Bucknaked · 06-07-2010, 08:14 PM

I had an 04 SR Focus 5 Door Hatch. 5 speed manual. You can't go wrong with them. I really enjoyed the car when I owned it. Reliable, fuel efficient and a lot of fun to drive. I used to tow a 7x4 box trailer with mine as well. It had the 1.8 litre engine.

blueoval · 07-07-2010, 12:48 PM

Thanks for everyones suggestions. We have decided to buy another brand in the end. Its what the mrs wanted despite my attempts for her to stick with a ford.

Pat Riley · 07-07-2010, 01:00 PM

What did you end up with in the end?

blueoval · 07-07-2010, 01:15 PM

A black 2005 Holden Astra. The AH Vauxhall version not the TS model.

:

Similar to this

FreddyDUZ747 · 07-07-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueoval

Thanks for everyones suggestions. We have decided to buy another brand in the end. Its what the mrs wanted despite my attempts for her to stick with a ford.

Good one Shav you did a me,you know what I mean

blueoval · 07-07-2010, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilmore

Good one Shav you did a me,you know what I mean

hahaha, certainly did Karl. Not that I was meaning to go Holden all the way, I just didnt want to write one off due to the badge. The car is more Vauxhall than anything else. Very hard to fault mechanically. Im pleased with the car as well as who I bought it off. Loving the flick keys...